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Analysis: NATO Crisis Management Exercise 2025 and its Strategic Significance for Lithuania and the Alliance.
The NATO Crisis Management Exercise (CMX) 2025, taking place from March 13 to 18, marks the 24th iteration of a crucial training event aimed at strengthening the Alliance's ability to respond to crises. This exercise, held annually since 1992, brings together NATO's civilian and military representatives, as well as members of the European Union, to simulate a real-world hybrid and military threat. The purpose is to test and refine NATO’s consultation and decision-making procedures in the event of a crisis, ensuring the Alliance remains effective and coordinated in its response.
An image of a previous NATO exercise, Dragon 24 was designed to test NATO's interoperability. (Picture source: US DoD)
Lithuania, as the host nation, plays a significant role in this year’s exercise. Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas emphasized that CMX is not only a testing ground for NATO’s collective readiness but also serves to enhance Lithuania’s national response mechanisms. By engaging in this training, Lithuania aims to refine its systems for managing national crises and ensure efficient collaboration with NATO Allies. Godliauskas underscored the exercise’s importance in maintaining Lithuania's preparedness and fostering quick, coordinated responses to emerging threats.
One of the key aspects of CMX 2025 is its focus on the integration of civilian and military components in crisis management. Unlike traditional military exercises, CMX involves various civilian institutions alongside military forces, reflecting NATO’s approach to hybrid threats that blend military, political, and societal challenges. This year’s exercise will include representatives from NATO’s headquarters and commands, as well as EU institutions such as the European Commission and the European External Action Service. The scenario, though undisclosed, is designed to test the alliance’s decision-making abilities across multiple levels, including national and collective responses to complex crises.
The exercise's format is centered around decision-making training rather than actual military operations. It offers a valuable opportunity to assess how NATO’s institutions coordinate in times of crisis, particularly regarding crisis prevention and management. Lithuanian Government Chancellor Laimonas Rudys highlighted that the exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen inter-institutional coordination, emphasizing the need for robust institutional readiness in managing emergencies. This is vital, as the ability to respond to crises effectively requires seamless collaboration across NATO member states and their respective institutions.
The principles of collective defense remain the foundation of NATO, and CMX 2025 is a crucial tool in ensuring that the 32 NATO Allies can effectively operate together in times of crisis. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Julius Pranevičius reiterated that the exercise serves to test and improve the readiness of NATO’s response procedures and decision-making processes. As global security dynamics evolve, this kind of training is essential to maintaining the Alliance’s collective deterrence and its ability to respond swiftly and efficiently.
In Lithuania, the National Crisis Management Centre is coordinating the exercise, with the participation of various government ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Defence, the Interior, Transport and Communications, Health, Energy, and the State Security Department, among others. This wide-ranging involvement ensures that all relevant sectors of the government are prepared to respond to national emergencies and can work seamlessly with NATO allies.
The NATO CMX 2025 exercise reflects the growing complexity of modern crises, where military and civilian components must work together to address hybrid threats effectively. As Lithuania continues to strengthen its national crisis management systems, its participation in this exercise not only enhances its capabilities but also contributes to the overall cohesion and readiness of NATO. By engaging in CMX 2025, Lithuania and its NATO Allies continue to demonstrate their commitment to collective defense and crisis preparedness in an increasingly volatile global security environment.